Strong finish secures vital win for Castletownbere

Castletownbere will now need to defeat Rockchapel in their remaining group stage game to qualify for the knockout stages.

Sun, 18 Aug, 2024 - 15:51

John O'Shea, Aughaville

Cork Premier IFC: Castletownbere 0-10 Macroom 0-8

In Aughaville on Saturday night, Castletownbere came away with a vital victory to keep their hopes of progressing in the PIFC alive.

However, for Macroom their interest in the knockout stages of the competition is over, as even if they defeat Kilshanning in the last group game, they can't catch the Beara side or Rockchapel.

Castletownbere, who have former Cork senior football boss Peadar Healy as part of their management ticket, now go into the last match with momentum. While Macroom, under Kerry legend Aidan O'Mahony's management, have lost back-to-back games and could also be dragged into the relegation playoff.

Macroom had the better of the opening half exchanges. 2010 All-Ireland winner with Cork Fintan Goold, who is based in America but still returns to tog out, was among the first half scorers for Macroom and they led 0-6 to 0-3 at half time.

When the chips were down Castletownbere showed their mettle and finished strongly. Fintan Fenner showed his quality in the second half and landed over a lovely score from play.

Mark Hunt got a much-needed point for Macroom on 52 minutes and it looked like they'd have enough to save their season.

However Castletownbere finished strongly, with Gary Murphy slotting over a placed ball on 54 minutes. That was before impressive youngster Fenner levelled proceedings and then another well taken point to put his side ahead.

A point from Jack Hanley sealed a crucial win for Castletownbere, who will now need to defeat Rockchapel in their remaining group stage game to qualify for the knockout stages.

Scorers for Castletownbere: F Fenner 0-5 (0-3 f), J Hanley 0-3, G Murphy, J Harrington 0-1 each.

Scorers for Macroom: F Goold 0-2 (0-1 f), E O’Mahony, D Twomey, S Kiely (f), C Donovan, J Murphy, M Hunt 0-1 each.

CASTLETOWNBERE: D Fenton; D Hanley, D Dunne, J Rosales Harrington; J O’Neill, T Collins, S McCarthy; A O’Sullivan, O Byrne; J Hanley, F Fenner, M Orpen; J Harrington, T Murphy, L Kelly.

Subs: G Murphy for Orpen (35), O Murphy for McCarthy (41).

MACROOM: B O’Connell; G Angland, R Buckley, J Murphy: C Buckley, M Corrigan, D Creedon; C Donovan, C Dineen; S Kiely, M Cronin, E O’Leary; D Twomey, F Goold, E O’Mahony.

Subs: C Condon for Angland (3, inj), T Dineen for C Dineen (11, inj), M Hunt for O’Mahony, C O’Sullivan for Twomey (both 48).

Referee: Shane Scanlon (Newcestown).